A typical car accident claim takes a few months to over a year. Generally, a simple case can be resolved in months. Meanwhile, if there’s a dispute over liability or the value of a claim, it could take years to settle.
Timeline for a Car Accident Claim
You get into a car accident, suffer minor injuries and minimal property damage, and file a claim with your auto insurance company. Next, your insurer investigates the incident with the insurance company of the other driver involved. Ultimately, the other motorist may be found to be liable for your accident.
The accident investigation could take one month or several months, and the settlement negotiations that take place after may last months or years. If multiple vehicles were involved in your accident, the time frame for an insurance investigation and settlement negotiations may be extended.
What to Expect If You File a Car Accident Claim
Georgia has vehicle insurance requirements for drivers. It is an at-fault state, which means your insurance may protect you financially if you’re liable for an auto accident. If someone else may be liable, their insurance company may cover your losses.
Insurance companies may ask you for recorded statements about your accident. You may not be required to give an insurance company a recorded statement. If you hire a car accident lawyer, they can speak with insurance companies about your accident on your behalf. This can help you minimize the risk of saying anything that indicates you’re partially or fully liable for your accident.
An insurance company may say you are liable for your accident, even if you have relevant evidence that helps show that someone else is at fault. The business may also delay or deny your claim or offer a settlement worth less than what you have incurred in losses.
You do not have to accept an insurance settlement offer. If all else fails and you don’t receive a reasonable offer, you may sue any parties that may be liable for your car accident.
Tips to Help You with Your Car Accident Claim
Gather police reports, photos and videos from the scene of your car accident, statements from witnesses who saw the incident, and other evidence. Your collection of evidence may help you prove that another party acted negligently and may be liable for your accident.
Receive medical care if you were injured in your auto accident. Continue to get medical treatment for as long as your doctor recommends. Keep track of your medical bills, and you can add these to your body of evidence.
Similarly, if your car accident injuries prevent you from working, collect your pay stubs, since these can be used as evidence. If these injuries have the potential to diminish your earning capacity, this is something to account for as you negotiate a claim settlement.
Beware if the insurance company of a party that may be liable for your car collision reaches out to you. The business may try to get you to admit fault. Rather than risk saying the wrong thing, it may be beneficial to work with an auto accident attorney, since they can discuss your case with insurance companies.
Stay in contact with your Newnan car accident lawyer throughout the claims process. If your claim is unsuccessful, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit.